Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the creamy tang of a cream cheese swirl. Perfectly portioned in mini muffin form, they make a delightful treat for parties or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 9 tbsp butter (unsalted, Kerrygold preferred)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 9 oz cream cheese (room temperature, about 70°F)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray, coating sides and bottoms to prevent sticking. Sift the cocoa powder into a small bowl to remove lumps, ensuring smooth batter. Have all ingredients at room temperature, especially cream cheese and eggs, for smooth blending.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, melt the butter and whisk in sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla, red food coloring, salt, espresso powder, and vinegar. The espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor subtly, and vinegar deepens the red velvet taste. Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Gently fold in flour until no dry streaks remain, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Gently fold in the egg yolk until just combined, keeping the filling soft and creamy.
- Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each muffin cup, filling halfway. Add about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling on top, then cover with another teaspoon of brownie batter to seal. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the layers gently, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Step 5: Bake for 12 minutes until tops are set and spring back lightly. Let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then carefully remove using a thin knife or offset spatula. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and filling.
- Use a toothpick to swirl the batter gently for a pretty marble effect without blending the layers completely.
- Substitute the vinegar with lemon juice if desired; it will provide a similar tangy lift.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, try using Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa.
Storage
Store the brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these brownie bites without red food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the red food coloring, but the brownies will look more like traditional chocolate brownies rather than red velvet.
Why do I need to use espresso powder in this recipe?
Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste, enhancing the richness of the brownies subtly.
PrintHomemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites Recipe
Delight in these Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites that combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly portioned as mini treats, these bites offer a luscious red velvet flavor enhanced by espresso powder and vinegar, baked to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini brownie bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold), melted
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 9 oz cream cheese, room temperature (around 70°F)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Sift the cocoa powder to remove lumps and ensure smooth incorporation. Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth blend and better texture.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, melt the butter and whisk together with sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla, red food coloring, salt, espresso powder, and vinegar. The espresso enhances chocolate flavor without coffee taste, and vinegar deepens the red velvet character. Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Gently fold in flour just until no dry streaks remain to avoid toughness.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy, approximately one minute. Use a whisk to prevent overbeating which can cause graininess. Fold in the egg yolk until just combined, keeping the filling soft for a luxurious contrast.
- Assemble the Brownie Bites: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each mini muffin cup, filling halfway. Add approximately 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling on top, then cover with another teaspoon of brownie batter. Swirl the layers gently with a toothpick or skewer in a figure-eight or circular motion to create a marbled pattern without fully blending.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. The tops should be set and spring back lightly when touched, while the centers remain soft and fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then carefully remove each bite using a thin knife or offset spatula to prevent breaking. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to achieve smooth batter and cream filling.
- Sifting cocoa powder prevents lumps and streaks in brownies.
- Do not overmix the flour to avoid tough brownies.
- Swirling the cream cheese filling gently maintains distinct marbled effect.
- Allow bites to cool slightly before removing from pan for clean release.
- Use espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor subtly without coffee taste.
Keywords: red velvet brownie bites, mini brownies, cream cheese swirl brownies, red velvet dessert, bite-sized brownies
